A letter to every daughter.

A letter to every daughter. My dad wrote me this letter after he caught me reading a Cosmopolitan magazine a few years ago and we had an argument. At the time I didn’t see the problem with reading it.

May this be a letter to every daughter.

January 14, 2015 Wednesday –

My dear Lindsey,

You are the second born girl of my dreams. In you I see a wonderful future filled with great moments of love and joy. You are now almost 21 years old and have all the rights and privileges given to any adult. You take great care of what you feed your body, you carefully choose healthy foods and exercise to give you the energy and vitality to enjoy all that life has to offer.

It is my personal opinion that you should consider doing the same diligence with what you read. Cosmopolitan is considered by many women to be the guidebook for how to go about living a good and happy life. It is sold in almost every store that offers magazines. No one would think twice if they saw you reading it. I do so…

Here is what I ask of you. Evaluate the content critically, think about whether or not we could discuss the articles, or you and your family, people you love? Could you in fact talk about the subjects and the values portrayed? Personally I could not. It might be that I am too old fashioned, prudish or other, but it is not something I would choose to do, too embarrassing for me.

Today’s books, magazines, TV shows and general language have degraded to an embarrassing level. People casually use language that I forbid in my hockey team’s locker room 20 years ago.

They are a huge temptation, all of them. Sex sells.

To be a leader we are called to a higher standard.

To be a child of God and on who follows the Lord we are called to higher standards – you are both.

I am fairly certain that the articles in your magazines do not fit a healthy lifestyle for someone so precious as you. Fill your mind with the best.

It is not my intent to make you feel guilty or give you a guilt trip. It is my hope as your loving father to help point out the challenging choices and decisions you must make. Choose wisely! I realize these come from your sister. I love her with all my heart too, but this is between us.

The other day this phrase caught my attention:

“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

Trust me, the less “yuck” you put in your brain the better.

You are going places my dear. Protect your core values, beliefs, and character with every ounce of will power you can muster.

I love you!

DAD.

2020 - 5 years later...

Books I have read this year:

1. The Diary of Anne Frank

2. Little Women

3. Harry Potter #6 and #7

4. The Gospel Comes with a House Key

5. Narnia Series

6. Full

7. None Like Him

8. Never Split the Difference

9. This Changes Everything

10. Practicing the Presence of God

11. Knowing God

12. Love Does

13. Dare to Lead

14. Why We Sleep

15. Gospel-Centered Discipleship

16. Just Mercy

17. Everything Everything

18. Gay Girl Good God

19. When the Soul Listens

Guess he was right, good in means good out.